Centralized electrical distribution system

ABSTRACT

Implementations of the present invention comprise systems, methods, and apparatus for distributing electric power to a plurality of access points within a plurality of spaces. In particular, implementations of the present invention allow for the distribution of electric power from a centralized panel manager, to one or more access points without the use of zone boxes. For example, a panel manager for distributing electric power in accordance with an implementation of the present invention can include a housing configured to allow at least one main input therein. The panel manager can also include a plurality of planar connection interfaces secured within the housing. The planar connection interface can be configured to mate with planar electrical connectors for the distribution of electric power to the plurality of access points.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/594,343, filed on Oct. 1, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,162,686,which is a U.S. National Stage Application corresponding toPCT/CA2009/00802, filed on Jun. 5, 2009, entitled “CENTRALIZEDELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM.” The entire content of each of theaforementioned applications is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to systems, methods, andapparatus for distributing electric power.

2. Background and Relevant Art

Electrical connections are essential today for powering a wide range ofelectronic devices, such as computers, cell phones,heating/air-conditioning, microwaves, televisions, copiers, printers,and so forth. As the number of devices continues to increase, the needfor connections to power these devices becomes more important andincreasingly complex. Unfortunately, the means and mechanisms forproviding electric power to various zones of a building to support suchdevices are also increasingly complex.

Typically, electrical contractors may provide branch (or horizontal)distribution of electric power in commercial spaces, or other largespaces, in one of two methods. The first method typically involves anelectrical contractor distributing junction boxes as required by theelectrical engineers circuited drawings throughout the space. Rigidconduit connects the electrical panel to the junction boxes. With therigid conduit connecting the two points, the electrical contractor willpull wires through the rigid conduit and electrically connect the mainelectrical panel to the junction box. The electrical contractor repeatsthis procedure numerous times throughout the floor space.

The electrical contractor also distributes access points for theelectric power, such as electric plugs or light fixtures, throughout thespace. An electrical engineer or an architect dictates the location ofthe access points. The electrical contractor completes the connectionbetween the access point and the junction box by hardwiring the twotogether. This method of distribution provides the end user with theirelectrical needs at the time of initial design and installation;however, if the end user requires any changes in electrical distributionwithin the space after initial installation, the changes may require theremoval of these materials and the installation of new materials.

The second method involves the use of modular components placed in azone type of layout to provide branch distribution of electric power ina commercial space, or other large space. The electrical contractorplaces individual zone boxes throughout the space, typically on somesort of pattern or grid (normally 20 feet on center). The electricalcontractor hard mounts these zone boxes to the building floor or ceilingthen connects the zone boxes to the electrical panel via a hard wiredconnection to the electrical panel, using either pipe and wire or metalclad cable.

This method, while usually better than the first method, is stillsomewhat restrictive regarding downstream flexibility and change whenrenovations and new locations of power access points are required. Forexample, modular and movable connections and access points are onlyavailable from the zone box onward. In other words, this method onlyprovides a modular solution from each of the zone boxes onward, withconventionally installed electrical wiring providing the portion of theelectric power from the circuit breaker panel to the zone boxes.

Further, in this current method, the electrical contractor ofteninstalls access panels to provide access to the zone boxes. These accesspanels are intended to provide a means for the tenant to make futurechanges as needed. Access panels may be installed in raised floors,lowered ceilings or in other areas where a large amount of electricwiring is anticipated. Nevertheless, access to zone boxes may berestricted or impaired due to the installation of walls, furniture orother obstructions after the installation of the zone boxes themselves.This limits or impedes the ability to add or reconfigure the circuitingof the installed zone box.

Both such current methods thus tend to suffer from a variety of problemsthat make them undesirable and increase the cost and time ofinstallation. One problem is that both methods tend to be laborintensive. For example, electrical contractors often determine the paththe conduit and wire will take from the breaker panel to the junctionbox or zone box based on physical site conditions without considerationto the tenant's future requirements. The plans provided by theelectrical engineer or architect are then revised to reflect the‘as-built’ condition.

Another problem is that the division of labor, especially in commercialbuildings, is difficult to ascertain. This problem arises becausestatutes, including the tax code, and other conventions in variouslocales, often divide the labor, and the budget for paying for thelabor, between the base building and the tenant. Nevertheless, itremains unclear where building improvements and tenant improvements endand who is, therefore, responsible for their supply and installation.

Still another problem with such conventional approaches is that thesemethods of installation often result in either under-capacity (junctionbox approach) or over-capacity (zone box approach). Both under-capacityand over-capacity may occur because it is difficult to ascertain whatfuture electrical needs to plan for. Under-installation may result incostly, time-consuming, rework. Over-installation may inflate costs andresult in the nonuse of installed materials.

Accordingly, there are a number of difficulties in current electricaldistribution within spaces, particularly large spaces, which can beaddressed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Implementations of the present invention comprise systems, methods, andapparatus for distributing electric power to a plurality of accesspoints. In particular, implementations of the present invention allowfor the distribution of electric power from a single distributionapparatus, such as a centralized panel manager, to one or more accesspoints. More specifically, implementations of the present inventionallow for distribution of electrical power without the use of zoneboxes. Accordingly, current electrical layouts, and future changes inthe electrical layout of a space, including additions of further accesspoints, can be accomplished with minimum effort and costs, particularlycompared with conventional mechanisms and apparatus.

For example, a panel manager for distributing electric power inaccordance with an implementation of the present invention can include ahousing configured to allow at least one main input therein. The maininput receives electric power from an outside electrical supply. Thepanel manager can also include a plurality of planar connectioninterfaces secured within the housing. The plurality of planarconnection interfaces are configured to pass electric power from themain input to one or more electrical access points via a planarelectrical connector, which, in turn, is configured to mate with one ofthe planar connection interfaces.

Additionally, a planar electrical connector in accordance with animplementation of the present invention can include a conductive, planarsurface comprising opposing front and back surfaces. The planarelectrical connector can also include opposed first and second ridgesthat are perpendicular to the front and back surfaces of the planarsurface. Additionally, the planar electrical connector can include aclamshell connector connected to the front surface to secure one or moreelectrical wires to the planar surface. The planar electrical connectorcan further include one or more openings formed within the planarsurface. The one or more openings can receive one or more releasableextensions for releasably securing the planar electrical connector to aplanar connection interface in a panel manager.

Further, a method of providing electric power in accordance with animplementation of the present invention can include identifying abuilding layout comprising a plurality of spaces. The method can furtherinclude identifying a single distribution room for distributing power toeach of the plurality of spaces. Additionally, the method can includeproviding a panel manager in a distribution room. Further, the methodcan include connecting a plurality of access points in the plurality ofspaces directly to the panel manager, and without use of any interveningzone boxes.

Additional features and advantages of exemplary implementations of theinvention will be set forth in the description which follows, and inpart will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by thepractice of such exemplary implementations. The features and advantagesof such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of theinstruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. These and other features will become more fully apparent fromthe following description and appended claims, or may be learned by thepractice of such exemplary implementations as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and otheradvantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a moreparticular description of the invention briefly described above will berendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not thereforeto be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will bedescribed and explained with additional specificity and detail throughthe use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an electrical layout that can beachieved using a centralized panel manager in accordance with animplementation of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a more detailed schematic of a panel manager, such asused to distribute electrical power in the electrical layout of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A illustrates an example embodiment of a planar electricalconnector for use with the panel manager of FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordancewith an implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 3B illustrates an alternative embodiment of a planar electricalconnector for use with a centralized panel manager in accordance with animplementation of the present invention;

FIG. 3C illustrates an example embodiment of a planar connection inaccordance with an implementation of the present invention which is usedto receive a planar electrical connector such as shown in FIG. 3A or 3B;and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of acts in a method inaccordance with an implementation of the present invention ofdistributing electric power to a plurality of access points in aplurality of spaces using a centralized panel manager.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention extends to comprise systems, methods, andapparatus for distributing electric power to a plurality of accesspoints. In particular, implementations of the present invention allowfor the distribution of electric power from a single distributionapparatus, such as a centralized panel manager, to one or more accesspoints. More specifically, implementations of the present inventionallow for distribution of electrical power without the use of zoneboxes. Accordingly, current electrical layouts, and future changes inthe electrical layout of a space, including additions of further accesspoints, can be accomplished with minimum effort and costs, particularlycompared with conventional mechanisms and apparatus.

Accordingly, one will appreciate that various advantages can be achievedby using a panel manager for the distribution of power to a plurality ofaccess points. For example, use of a panel manager provides a cleardemarcation of where the base building ends and where tenantimprovements begin, simplifying budget and tax analyses. Additionally,design costs may be reduced since the need to have an architect orelectrical engineer layout the electrical design can be eliminated.Specifically, an electrical contractor, or other on-site installer, candecide the best method for providing the wiring to the access points.

Along these lines, FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a building spacethat implements a particular electrical layout 100 using a centralizedpanel manager (e.g., 115) in accordance with an implementation of thepresent invention. Along these lines, FIG. 1 shows that, in thiselectrical layout 100, a single panel manager 115 distributes electricpower from one main input 110 to a plurality of access points 135 (e.g.,135 a, 135 b, 135 c). In general, an “access point” comprises one ormore locations where a user can access electric power. Access points 135can include outlets, light fixtures, switches, and splitters, or anyother device whereby a user can access electric power.

The access points 135 can correspondingly reside in a plurality ofspaces 140 (e.g., 140 a, 140 b, 140 c). The plurality of spaces 140 caninclude different rooms within a building, or a floor of a building.Nevertheless, access points 135 need not be within a building or on asingle floor of a building, as such. For example, the plurality ofspaces 140 can include multiple buildings or enclosures near oneanother. Alternatively, the plurality of spaces 140 can include multiplecubicles or areas within a single room. Additionally, the plurality ofspaces 140 can include access points that are exterior to a building.For example, the access points 135 can include external plugs, externalswitches or external light fixtures.

In at least one implementation, the electrical layout 100 includes acentralized distribution room 105. For the purposes of thisspecification and claims, a “centralized distribution room” means a roomthat serves as a single point of electrical distribution for a pluralityof access points 135 within a plurality of spaces 140, without requiringany intervening zone boxes. Thus, one will appreciate that a single,centralized distribution room 105 (or “distribution room”) can receiveelectric power and distribute the electric power to other areas, i.e.,the plurality of spaces 140.

In at least one implementation, the distribution room 105 can include anelectrical room, which comprises a room or space in a building dedicatedto electrical equipment. The size of the distribution room 105 can beproportional to the size of the space to which electric power will beprovided. Equipment in a distribution room 105 can thus include anynumber or type of electric switchboards, distribution boards, circuitbreakers, circuit disconnects, an electric meter, transformers, busbars,backup batteries, backup generators, an electric substation, fire alarmcontrol panels, distribution frames and any other equipment necessaryfor the distribution of power throughout the plurality of spaces 140.

In at least one implementation, the distribution room 105 comprises anelectric power source 110 therein, or otherwise access thereto. In suchan implementation, the electric power source 110 can receive electricpower from an external source. Additionally and alternatively, theelectric power source 110 can generate power to distribute throughoutthe plurality of spaces 140. Accordingly, the electric power source 110can also similarly include any number or type of electric switchboards,distribution boards, circuit breakers, circuit disconnects, an electricmeter, transformers, busbars, backup batteries, backup generators, anelectric substation or any other source of electric power. In at leastone implementation, power source 110 comprises a “main input.”

In at least one implementation, the distribution room 105 furthercomprises one or more centralized panel managers 115. As understoodherein, a centralized panel manager 115 comprises one or more apparatusand components configured to provide electric power from one or moreinputs (or a “main input”) to a plurality of access points 135 within aplurality of spaces 140, and without requiring the use of one or moreintervening zone boxes, as discussed below. For example, FIG. 1 showsthat panel manager 115 receives electrical power (e.g., via one or moreelectric conduits 120) from power source 110, and distributes theelectrical power directly to the plurality of access points 135 at leastin the plurality of spaces 140.

In at least one implementation, the panel manager 115 distributeselectric power to the plurality of access points 135 using one or morewires 125. For the purposes of this specification and claims, a “wire”means a device or apparatus which can be used for the distribution ofelectric power. For example, a wire 125 can refer to a twisted pair ofwires, a bundle of individual strands, a cable, a shielded cable, amulticore cable, a ribbon cable, or any other device or apparatuscomprising a pathway for the distribution of electric power.

For example, FIG. 1 shows a first wire 125 a connected to the panelmanager 115 for the distribution of electric power to a plurality ofaccess points 135. In at least one implementation, the first wire 125 acan connect to the panel manager 115 using a planar connection interface(e.g., 225, FIGS. 2 and 3C) and a planar electrical connector (e.g.,230, FIGS. 2 and 3A-3B), as described below. Additionally oralternatively, however, one will appreciate that the first wire 125 acan connect to the panel manager 115 using any other method orconnection interface, which allows for the transmission of electricpower from the panel manager 115 to the first wire 125 a, including theuse of electromagnetic fields.

In at least one implementation, the first wire 125 a can connect to aplurality of access points 135 indirectly via one or more splitters 130.As understood herein, a splitter 130 can include any device or apparatuswhich distributes electric power from one input to a plurality ofoutputs. For example, a splitter 130 can receive electric power from awire 125 and output electric power to two outputs, three outputs or anygreater number of outputs. A splitter 130 can distribute the electricpower equally among the different outputs or unequally among thedifferent outputs.

In at least one implementation, the splitter 130 a can allow for asingle first wire 125 a connected to the panel manager 115 to supplyelectric power to a plurality of access points 135. For example, FIG. 1shows that splitter 130 a can connect directly or indirectly to theplurality of access points 135 (e.g., a, b, c). FIG. 1 further showsthat wire 125 a connects to splitter 130 a, which connects, in turn, toaccess point 135 a and to a second splitter 130 b. FIG. 1 also showsthat second splitter 130 b, in turn, connects to access points 135 b,135 c.

In at least one implementation, a splitter 130 can connect to a singletype of output or can connect to multiple types of outputs. For example,the output of a splitter 130 can connect to additional splitters 130 orto access points 135. As illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, secondsplitter 130 b distributes electric power to various additional accesspoints 135 and splitters 130 in the space 140 a.

In at least one implementation, access points 135 can be connected toone another without the use of an intervening splitter 130. For example,FIG. 1 shows that splitter 130 c connects to access point 135 b which isconnected, in turn, to access point 135 c. Connecting two or more accesspoints 135 directly to one another can allow one access point 135 tocontrol the flow of electric power to other access points 135.

In at least one implementation, a second wire 125 b and third wire 125 ccan connect to the panel manager 115. The second wire 125 b can connectto a plurality of access points 135 in space 140 b, delivering electricpower to the plurality of access points 135. The third wire 125 c can,likewise, connect to a plurality of access points 135 in space 140 c,delivering electric power thereto.

FIG. 1 also shows that fourth wire 125 d connects to the panel manager115. The fourth wire 125 d delivers electric power to splitters 130 anda plurality of access points 135 in a fourth space 140 d. Thus, thefourth space 140 d can receive electric power directly from thecentralized panel manager 115, and thus independent of the powerreceived by the first space 140 a, the second space 140 b and the thirdspace 140 c.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the splitter 130 d can also include threeoutputs. In the illustrated case, at least one output of splitter 130 dconnects to access point 135 d, which connects, in turn, to accesspoints 135 e, 135 f and 135 g. As shown in FIG. 1, this allows thesecond output of splitter 130 d to connect to access points 135 h and135 i. This further allows the third output of splitter 130 d to connectto additional splitter 130 e and additional access points 135. Byplacing the access points on different outputs of the splitter 130 d,the various access points 135 can be controlled independent of oneanother, and without interrupting electric power to the access pointsconnected to the other outputs of the splitter 130 d.

FIG. 2 illustrates additional details of the exemplary panel manager 115shown in the schematic layout of FIG. 1. As understood herein anddiscussed above, a panel manager 115 comprises one or more apparatus andcomponents configured to provide electric power from one or more maininputs 210 (or 110, FIG. 1) to a plurality of access points 135 within aplurality of spaces 140, and without requiring the use of one or moreintervening zone boxes. To aid in this functionality, FIG. 2 shows thatat least one implementation of panel manager 115 can comprise a housing205. In one implementation, housing 205 can protect the electroniccircuitry of the panel manager 115. Additionally or alternatively, thehousing 205 can protect electrical contractors or other individuals frominjury by isolating exposed wiring or other hazardous material withinthe panel manager 115. Further, the housing 205 can ease installation ofthe panel manager 115 since the parts of the panel manager 115 can beassembled prior to installation.

FIG. 2 also show that, in at least one implementation, the housing 205of the panel manager 115 can allow at least one main input 210 therein.The main input 210 can comprise a wire (e.g., 125) or other conductivepathway which allows for the transmission of electric power from anelectrical power source external to the panel manager 115 to the panelmanager 115. For example, the external electrical power source maycomprise a transformer. Rigid conduit or a protective sheath can protectthe main input 210. Nevertheless, protection of the main input 210 withrigid conduit or a protective sheath is not required.

FIG. 2 further shows that the housing 205 can secure a plurality ofplanar connection interfaces 225, which are described more fully below.In general, the planar connection interfaces 225 can pass electric powerfrom the main input 210 and output the power to one or more electricalaccess points. A single planar connection interface 225 need not passelectric power to access points of a single type, as discussed above.

FIG. 2 also shows that, in at least one implementation, the panelmanager 115 can also include one or more terminal assemblies 215configured to receive electric power from the main input 210 and provideelectric power for the plurality of planar connection interfaces 225. Inone implementation, terminal assembly 215 can output the electric powerto one or more planar connection interfaces 225 through wires 220connected directly to the planar connection interfaces 225.Nevertheless, the terminal assembly 215 can also serve other functions,such as voltage conversion, current conversion or surge protection.

In addition, FIG. 2 shows that the planar connection interfaces 225 canmate with a planar electrical connector 230. In at least oneimplementation, mating can provide a conductive pathway between theplanar connection interface 225 and the planar electrical connection230. This conductive pathway can allow the transmission of electricpower from the main input 210 of the panel manager to the planarelectrical connector 230 via the planar connection interface 225. Theplanar electrical connector 230 can, in turn, connect to a wire 125, anelectric cable or any other means for conducting electric power to oneor more access points.

In at least one implementation, the planar connection interfaces 225secured within the housing 205 of the panel manager 115 can beconfigured to mate with different planar electrical connectors 230, asdiscussed below. For example, the panel manager 115 can include a planarconnection interface 225 configured to mate with a planar electricalconnector 230 configured to attach to a 10-wire AC/MC cable.Additionally or alternatively, the panel manager 115 can include aplanar connection interface 225 configured to mate with a planarelectrical connector 230 configured to attach to an 8-wire AC/MC cable.

In at least one implementation, the panel manager 115 can includemultiple types of planar connection interfaces 225. For example, FIG. 2shows that the panel manager 115 can include a combination of planarconnection interfaces 225(a, b, c, d). Of these, FIG. 2 shows thatplanar connection interface 225 a is configured to mate with planarelectrical connector 230 a. Planar electrical connector 230 a, in thiscase is further configured to attach to a 10-wire AC/MC cable. Bycontrast, FIG. 2 shows that planar connection interface 225 b isconfigured to mate with planar electrical connector 230 b, which in thiscase is attached to 8-wire AC/MC cables. Accordingly, one willappreciate that a particular type of wire 125 connection to the planarconnectors 230 is not necessarily required.

In addition, one will appreciate that the planar connection interfaces225 need not be permanently secured within the housing 205. For example,the panel manager 115 can be provided with openings in the housing 205into which an electrical contractor can insert the necessary planarconnection interfaces 225. Additionally or alternatively, the planarconnection interfaces 225 can be removable to allow an electricalcontractor to remove and replace planar connection interfaces 225 in thepanel manager 115.

In addition to the foregoing, FIG. 2 shows that an enclosure 245 cancontain the panel manager 115. For example, an electrical contractor caninsert the panel manager 115 into the enclosure 245 during installation,or the panel manager 115 can be manufactured within the enclosure 245.The enclosure 245, in turn, can provide additional protection againstelectrical shock to a user or damage to components of the panel manager115. For example, the planar connection interfaces 225, and consequentlythe planar electrical connectors 230 when mated, can reside on theexterior surface of the housing 205 of the panel manager 115. Anenclosure 245 can, therefore, fully contain the planar connectioninterfaces 225 to prevent tampering or electrocution. Nevertheless, onewill appreciate that the panel manager 115 can function effectivelywithout the enclosure 245. Additionally or alternatively, other methods,devices and apparatus than enclosure 245 can contain the panel manager115. In still further embodiments, enclosure 245 is removed entirely.

In the event panel manager 115 includes such an enclosure 245, theenclosure 245 can include a door or other mechanism (not shown) toprevent unwanted access to the panel manager 115. The enclosure 245 canalso include one or more openings 250 to allow insertion of the maininput 210, and further include one or more openings 255 to allowinsertion of the planar electrical connectors 230 and attached wires125. With regard to the wires 125 attached therein, FIGS. 3A-3Cillustrate example embodiments of planar electrical connectors 230 a and230 b and a planar connection interface 225 that are used to connect thewires 125 to the panel manager 115.

For example, FIG. 3A illustrates an example embodiment of a planarelectrical connector 230 a to connect to a wire for the distribution ofelectric power to one or more access points (e.g., 135). FIG. 3A showsthat the planar electrical connector 230 a includes a planar surface 305a with opposing front and back surfaces. One will appreciate that theplanar surface 305 a can be an electrical conductor, such as bycomprising one or more materials that contain movable electric charges.In at least one implementation, the planar surface 305 a is metallic,such as copper, gold silver, or any other conductive metal. In otherembodiments, the planar surface 305 a is non-metallic, includingconductive plastics, graphite or other conductive non-metallicmaterials.

FIGS. 3A (and 3B) further shows that the planar electrical connector230(a, b) can include opposed first and second ridges 310 a that areperpendicular to the front and back surfaces of the planar surface 305a. In one implementation, the first and second ridges 310 a can includethe same material as the planar surface 305 a or can include differentmaterials. The first and second ridges 310 a can assist in providing astandard shape to the planar electrical connection 230 a. A standardshape can ensure that a particular planar electrical connector 230 amates only with the proper planar connection interface.

Other aspects of the planar electrical connector 230 a which can providea standard shape can include the width of the planar electricalconnector 230 a, the length of the planar electrical connector 230 a,the thickness of the planar surface 305 a or any combination of theabove. For example, the thickness of the planar surface 305 a and thewidth of the planar electrical connector 230 a can be varied to ensurethat the planar electrical connector 230 a is mated to only the properplanar connection interface.

FIGS. 3A through 3B further show that the planar electrical connector230 a can comprise a clamshell connector 315 a connected to the frontsurface of the planar surface 305 a. In general, the clamshell connector315 a comprises one or more openings to admit a wire. The clamshellconnector 315 a can further be configured to close, in order to hold thewire firmly in place. In one implementation, for example, the clamshellconnector 315 a can open and close manually or can include a mechanism,such as spring loading, for automatically opening and closing theclamshell connector 315 a.

FIGS. 3A-3B further show that the planar electrical connector 230 a canalso include one or more openings 320(a, b) within the planar surface305 a. In one implementation, for example, the openings 320 areconfigured to receive one or more releasable extensions within a planarconnection interface 225. For example, the releasable extensions canreleasably secure the planar electrical connector 230 within the planarconnection interface 225 in a panel manager, as described above, or inanother device fitted with planar connection interfaces 225. The size ofthe openings 320, the shape of the openings 320, the number of openings320, the placement of the openings 320 and other aspects of the openings320 a can ensure that the planar electrical connector 230 only mateswith the appropriate planar connection interface 225.

Along these lines, FIG. 3B illustrates an alternative embodiment of aplanar electrical connector 230 b. For example, FIG. 3B shows that theplanar electrical connector 230 b includes a conductive planar surface305 b, as described above in connection with the planar electricalconnector 230 a of FIG. 3A. Nevertheless, the planar electricalconnector 230 b is configured to mate with a different type planarconnection interface 225 than the planar electrical connector 230 a ofFIG. 3A. For example, the planar electrical connector 305 b can benarrower and can have a different shape and spacing of the openings 320b than the planar electrical 230 a connector of FIG. 3A.

Additionally, the planar electrical connector 230 b can have a smallerclamshell connector 315 b than the planar electrical connector 230 a ofFIG. 3A. The difference in size of the clamshell connector 315 b canallow the planar electrical connector 230 b to attach to a wire ofsmaller size than the planar electrical connector 230 a of FIG. 3A. Forexample, as previously discussed, the clamshell connector 315 a of theplanar electrical connector 230 a of FIG. 3A can be configured to attachto 10-wire AC/MC cable, while the clamshell connector 315 b of theplanar electrical connector 230 b of FIG. 3B can be configured to attachto 8-wire AC/MC cable.

Additionally or alternatively, the first and second ridges 310 b of theplanar electrical connector can be of a different size or shape than thefirst and second ridges 310 a of the planar electrical connector 230 aof FIG. 3A. For example, the first and second ridges 310 b can be talleror non-rectangular in shape when compared to the first and second ridges310 a of the planar electrical connector 230 a of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C illustrates an example embodiment of a planar connectioninterface 225, which, as previously discussed, can be mounted withinhousing 205 for receipt of a planar connector 230(a, b). Accordingly,the planar connection interface 225 can be configured to mate with aparticular planar electrical connector 230 a or 230 b, such as shown inFIGS. 3A-3B. In either case, when mated, the planar connection interface225 and the planar electrical connector 230 form a conductive pathway.This conductive pathway can allow electric power to flow from any deviceattached to the planar connection interface 225 to a device attached tothe planar electrical connector 230 and vice versa.

Accordingly, FIG. 3C shows that the planar connection interface 225includes an outer surface 365. The outer surface 365 can include aconductive material such as metal, conductive plastics, graphite orother conductive materials. Alternatively, the outer surface 365 caninclude an insulating material such as glass, TEFLON, plastics, epoxy,fiberglass, ceramics, or any other material configured to resist theflow of electric current. Manufacturing the outer surface 365 with aninsulating material can protect the conductive pathway between theplanar connection interface 225 and a planar electrical connector 230.Additionally, manufacturing the outer surface 365 with an insulatingmaterial can protect individuals working with a planar connectioninterface 225 from accidental electrocution.

FIG. 3C further shows that the outer surface 365 can include a cavity370 for inserting a planar electrical connector 230. The inside surfaceof the cavity 370 can be a conductive material that is in contact withthe planar electrical connector 230, thus creating a conductive pathwaybetween the planar connection interface 225 and the planar electricalconnector 230. FIG. 3C also shows that the cavity 370 can include one ormore notches 370 a for receiving one or more ridges 310(a, b) on aplanar electrical connector 230. The notches 370 a can thus ensure thatonly the appropriate planar electrical connector 230 is inserted intothe planar connection interface 225. Additionally, modification of thesize and shape of the cavity 370 can ensure that the planar connectioninterface 225 mates only with the appropriate planar electricalconnector 230. Modification of the length, depth, and width of thecavity 370, as well as the size and shape of the notches 370 a, can alsoensure that the planar connection interface 225 mates only with theappropriate planar electrical connector 230.

In at least one implementation, there can also be one or more releasableextensions 375 inside the cavity 370. The releasable extensions 375 canreleasably secure a planar electrical connector 230 within the cavity370 of the planar connection interface 225. For example, the releasableextensions 375 can extend into one or more openings within a planarelectrical connector, as discussed above. The releasable extensions 375can be fixed, such as bumps or notches that are configured to providegreater resistance when removing or inserting a planar electricalconnector 230 into the planar connection interface 370. Alternatively,the releasable extensions 375 can be movable. For example, thereleasable extensions 375 can include a spring loaded mechanism (notshown) such that, upon insertion of a planar electrical connector 230,the releasable extensions 375 push into place within the openings 320 ofa planar electrical connector 230.

Just as with openings 320 in connectors 230, the size, shape, placementand number of releasable extensions 375 in planar connection interface225 can also be configured to ensure that only the appropriate planarelectrical connector mates with the planar connection interface 225. Forexample, the shape of the releasable extensions 375 can be round if theplanar connection interface 225 can mate with the planar electricalconnector 230 a of FIG. 3A. Alternatively, the releasable extensions 375can be rectangular if the planar connection interface 225 is configuredto mate with the planar electrical connector 230 b of FIG. 3B.Similarly, there can be more or fewer extensions 375 than thoseparticularly illustrated in FIG. 3C.

In at least one implementation, the planar connection interface 225further includes tabs 380 for releasing the planar electrical connector.In one implementation, the tabs 380 can connect to the releasableextensions 375. This connection between tabs 380 and extensions 375 can,in turn, allow a user to push or pull the tabs 380 to thereby remove thereleasable extensions 375 from the openings in the planar surface of aplanar electrical connector 230. Once the releasable extensions 375 havebeen removed from the openings in the planar surface of a planarelectrical connector 230, a user can then remove the planar electricalconnector 230 from the cavity 370 of the planar connection interface225.

Accordingly, FIGS. 1-3C, and the corresponding text, illustrate ordescribe a number of components, modules, and mechanisms that can beused to provide electric power directly to access points withoutnecessarily requiring the use of zone boxes. In addition to theforegoing, implementations of the present invention can also bedescribed in terms of one or more acts in a method for accomplishing aparticular result. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of actsof a method of providing electric power from a main input to a pluralityof access points in a plurality of spaces without requiring the use ofone or more intervening zone boxes.

FIG. 4 shows that a method of providing electric power can comprise anact 400 of identifying a building layout. Act 400 can compriseidentifying a building layout comprising a plurality of spaces. Forexample, a product manager obtains or prepares an electrical layout fora particular building space, such as shown in FIG. 1. The electricallayout includes at the very least one or more access points 135 incorresponding one or more spaces 140 to which a panel manager 115 willneed to configure delivery of electrical power.

FIG. 4 also shows that the method of providing electric power cancomprise an act 405 of identifying a distribution room. Act 405 cancomprise identifying a single distribution room for distributing powerto each of the plurality of spaces in the building layout. For example,FIG. 1 shows a distribution room 105 (or centralized distribution room)in the electrical layout 100. The distribution room includes 105includes an electric power source 110 that can provide the power to bedistributed.

In addition, FIG. 4 shows that the method of providing electric powercan comprise an act 410 of providing a panel manager. Act 410 caninclude providing a panel manager in a distribution room, wherein thepanel manager comprises one or more planar connection interfaces forproviding electric power to the plurality of spaces. For example, FIGS.1 and 2 show the use of a panel manager 115 for providing electric powerto a plurality of spaces 140. The panel manager 115 includes planarconnection interfaces 225 for providing electric power to a plurality ofaccess points 135 within a plurality of spaces 140.

Furthermore, FIG. 4 shows that the method can comprise an act 415 ofconnecting a plurality of access points to the panel manager. Act 415can include connecting a plurality of access points in the plurality ofspaces directly to the panel manager, and without use of any interveningzone boxes, whereby the panel manager can supply electric power directlyto each access point. For example, FIG. 1 shows an electrical layout100, wherein a plurality of access points 135 in a plurality of spaces140 are connected “directly” to a panel manager 115 (i.e., without useof intervening zone boxes).

Accordingly, FIGS. 1-4 and the corresponding text illustrate or describedevices, apparatus and methods for providing electric power to aplurality of spaces using a panel manager. The panel manager can providepower without requiring the use of zone boxes. Eliminating zone boxescan eliminate the amount of materials used, thus reducing the cost ofconstruction or remodeling. Additionally, the use of a panel manager canalso allow for future changes in the electrical layout in the pluralityof spaces with relative ease. Further, the use of a panel manager forproviding power to a plurality of spaces can provide a clear demarcationbetween base building and tenant improvements, thus simplifying bothbudget and tax analyses.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

We claim:
 1. In a construction environment in which electric power is tobe provided from a main input source to a plurality of spaces, a methodof providing electric power from the main input to a plurality of accesspoints in the plurality of spaces without requiring the use of one ormore intervening zone boxes, the method comprising: identifying abuilding layout comprising a plurality of spaces; identifying a singledistribution room for distributing power to each of the plurality ofspaces in the building layout; providing a panel manager in the singledistribution room, wherein the panel manager comprises at least oneconnection interface configured to provide electric power directly totwo or more spaces of the plurality of spaces; and connecting aplurality of access points in the plurality of spaces directly to thepanel manager, and without use of any intervening zone or junctionboxes, whereby the panel manager can supply electric power directly tomultiple access points of the plurality through a single connectioninterface.
 2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein connecting atheplurality of access points in the plurality of spaces directly to thepanel manager further comprises: mating an electrical connector to theat least one connection interface in the panel manager; wherein theelectrical connector is connected to the panel manager on one end, anddirectly to a plurality of access points on an opposing end.
 3. Themethod as recited in claim 2, further comprising: providing a secondpanel manager in the single distribution room; wherein the second panelmanager comprises one or more planar connection interfaces configured toprovide electric power to the plurality of spaces.
 4. The method asrecited in claim 2, further comprising: connecting an electric wire toan input of an electric splitter, wherein the electric splitter includesone or more outputs; wherein an output of the electric splitter isconnected directly to one of the access points in the plurality.
 5. Themethod as recited in claim 1, further comprising: connecting a pluralityof electric wires to an electrical connector; wherein the plurality ofelectric wires is connected directly to a corresponding plurality ofaccess points, and is configured to deliver electric power from theelectrical connector directly to the corresponding plurality of accesspoints.
 6. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising:connecting a plurality of electric wires to a second electricalconnector; and plugging the second electrical connector into acorresponding second connection interface in the panel manager; whereinthe plurality of electric wires of the second electrical connector isconnected directly to main power through the combination of the secondelectrical connector and second connection interface.
 7. A method ofproviding electric power from a main input to a plurality of accesspoints in a modular construction without requiring the use of one ormore intervening zone boxes for each space, the method comprising:constructing a building layout comprising a plurality of spaces, whereineach space comprises at least one electrical access point; providing asingle distribution room, and a panel manager in the distribution room;electrically connecting two or more wires from two or more electricalaccess points in the plurality of spaces directly to a single electricalconnector, and without use of any intervening zone or junction boxes;securing the single electrical connector to a single electricalconnection interface in the panel manager positioned in the distributionroom; wherein the panel manager is configured to supply power from amain power input directly to the two or more access points through thesingle connection interface.
 8. The method as recited in claim 7,further comprising connecting a second set of one or more wirescorresponding to one or more additional access points in the pluralityof spaces directly to a second electrical connector.
 9. The method asrecited in claim 8, further comprising securing the second electricalconnector to a second electrical connection interface in the panelmanager.
 10. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the panel managersends power directly to a number of electrical access points using twoor more electrical connection interfaces that are less than the numberof electrical access points.
 11. The method as recited in claim 7,wherein the panel manager is configured to: receive main power on oneside thereof; and distribute power to the plurality of spaces on anopposing or adjacent side thereof.
 12. The method as recited in claim 7,wherein the two or more access points correspond to two or more spacesin the plurality of spaces.
 13. The method as recited in claim 7,wherein: the two or more access points correspond to two or more spacesin the plurality of spaces; and the panel manager provides power to thetwo or more spaces through the same connection interface.
 14. The methodas recited in claim 7, wherein at least the single electrical connectorcomprises one or more interfaces configured to reciprocally mate withone or more interfaces in the connection interface of the panel manager.15. The method as recited in claim 14, wherein the single electricalconnector and the single connection interface of the panel managercomprise one or more releasable extensions configured to releasablysecure the electrical connector to the connection interface in the panelmanager.
 16. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein at least thesingle electrical connector comprises a planar interface configured toreceive power from the single electrical connection interface on oneend, and deliver power to a plurality of wires on an opposing end.
 17. Amethod of providing electric power from a main input to a plurality ofaccess points in a modular construction without requiring the use of oneor more intervening zone boxes for each space, the method comprising:constructing a building layout comprising a plurality of spaces, whereineach space comprises at least one electrical access point; providing asingle distribution room, and a panel manager in the distribution room;electrically connecting two or more wires from two or more electricalaccess points in the plurality of spaces directly to a single electricalconnector, and without use of any intervening zone or junction boxes;securing the single electrical connector to a single electricalconnection interface in the panel manager positioned in the distributionroom; wherein: the panel manager houses at least the single electricalconnector interface within a terminal assembly; and the panel manager isconfigured to supply power from a main power input directly to the twoor more access points through the single connection interface.
 18. Themethod as recited in claim 17, wherein the terminal assembly joins amain power input directly to one or more electrical connectioninterfaces, including at least the single electrical connectioninterface.
 19. The method as recited in claim 17, further comprisingattaching one or more splitters to the two or more access points. 20.The method as recited in claim 19, wherein: the two or more accesspoints deliver power from the panel manager to one or more of theplurality of spaces; and the one or more splitters deliver power withinthe one or more spaces to one or more outlets.